Response to NOAA’s Request for comment about the Vessel Speed Rule
May 13, 2026
By Dr. Scott Rowley
Deadline to submit is June 2, 2026
Re: Federal Register 91, 42, March 4, 2026 Docket No. 260227-0058
INSTRUCTIONS TO SUBMIT YOUR RESPONSE
1. Visit https://www.regulations.gov and
2. Enter NOAA–NMFS–2026–0364 in the search for dockets and documents box.
3. Click the ‘‘Comment’’ icon
4. You may copy and paste the paragraphs below into the comment box, or write your own comment.
5. You may enter your email if you would like acknowledgement that your comment has been received. You must check the box to opt into receiving an acknowledgement.
SAMPLE COMMENT…
The North Atlantic Right Whale (NARW) is a critically endangered species, close to extinction, as a direct result of human activities. Fishing line entanglements and vessel strikes are the primary causes of deaths for both adult whales and calves. The current speed rules that apply to larger vessels within the defined Seasonal Management Areas are protecting the NARWs to a modest extent, but vessel strikes and whale deaths still occur. Even the loss of a single whale increases the probability of extinction.
There is no ship-board technology currently existing that is effective in detecting NARWs before a collision occurs. Only the speed rule offers any degree of protection. I am writing not only in support of continuing the use of the current speed rules, but also in support of strengthening the rule by including vessels between 45 ft and 65 ft in length and modernization of the Seasonal Management Area concept. This concept, which dates back to 2008, should be modernized using any available detection technologies (visual, acoustic) to establish mandatory dynamic management areas when groups of whales are found along our coast.
MORE DETAILS
6. You may remain anonymous. Click “an individual” and enter your name and address into the available fields if you do not wish to remain anonymous.
You will see the following statement that refers to placing your name into the actual comment section. If you were to do so, anyone would see this identifying information. Do not add your name into the comment box!
Note: All comments received are a part of the public record and will generally be posted for public viewing on https:// www.regulations.gov without change.
All personal identifying information (e.g., name, address), confidential business information, or otherwise sensitive information submitted voluntarily by the sender will be publicly accessible. NMFS will accept anonymous comments (enter ‘‘N/A’’ in the required fields if you wish to remain anonymous).
Thank you for helping save the whales!
February 2026 ~ Proposals to change the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act
Our Whales Continue to be at Risk of Extinction. Congress and federal regulators are considering a suite of proposals that could significantly weaken the whale protections currently existing under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act. These changes will:
- reduce key protections for these critically at-risk species and their habitats,
- give regulators less power to prevent harm
- place more emphasis on business profits than on scientific evidence when making conservation decisions.
How You Can Help
Please take 5 minutes today to call your U.S. Representative and Senators.
- When you call, expect a voice recording. A simple message you can leave:
“Hello, my name is ___ and I live at _____. I am calling to urge Representative/Senator ___ to oppose any changes that weaken the Marine Mammal Protection Act or the Endangered Species Act.
We need stronger protections for endangered species — not weaker ones.
Please stand up for our whales, and vote no on any effort that reduces these protections. Thank you.”
- What is the result?
Congressional staff members tally every call, card or email from the representative’s constituents. Your voice truly matters. Hopefully, your call will help preserve the protections currently in effect.
Thank you for speaking up for whales 🐋
Here is the Fernandina/Jacksonville phone list. (Outside of Florida District 4, just google the US Representative for your zip code). You may call either the Washington or local office. Please call all three.
Representative Aaron Bean: Washington DC office: (202) 225-0123
Fernandina office: (904) 557-9550
Senator Rick Scott: Washington DC office: (202) 224-5274
Jacksonville office: (904) 479-7227
Senator Ashley Moody: Washington DC office: (202) 224-3041
Jacksonville office: (904) 354-4300
Re: Federal Register 91, 42, March 4, 2026 Docket No. 260227-0058
INSTRUCTIONS TO SUBMIT YOUR RESPONSE
1. Visit https://www.regulations.gov and
2. Enter NOAA–NMFS–2026–0364 in the search for dockets and documents box.
3. Click the ‘‘Comment’’ icon
4. You may copy and paste the paragraphs below into the comment box, or write your own
comment.
5. You may enter your email if you would like acknowledgement that your comment has
been received. You must check the box to opt into receiving an acknowledgement.
SAMPLE COMMENT…
The North Atlantic Right Whale (NARW) is a critically endangered species, close to extinction, as
a direct result of human activities. Fishing line entanglements and vessel strikes are the
primary causes of deaths for both adult whales and calves.
The current speed rules that apply to larger vessels within the defined Seasonal Management
Areas are protecting the NARWs to a modest extent, but vessel strikes and whale deaths still
occur. Even the loss of a single whale increases the probability of extinction.
There is no ship-board technology currently existing that is effective in detecting NARWs before
a collision occurs. Only the speed rule offers any degree of protection.
I am writing not only in support of continuing the use of the current speed rules, but also in
support of strengthening the rule by including vessels between 45 ft and 65 ft in length and
modernization of the Seasonal Management Area concept. This concept, which dates back to
2008, should be modernized using any available detection technologies (visual, acoustic) to
establish mandatory dynamic management areas when groups of whales are found along our
coast.
MORE DETAILS
6. You may remain anonymous. Click “an individual” and enter your name and address
into the available fields if you do not wish to remain anonymous.
You will see the following statement that refers to placing your name into the actual comment
section. If you were to do so, anyone would see this identifying information. Do not add your
name into the comment box!
Note: All comments received are a part of the public record and will generally be posted
for public viewing on https:// www.regulations.gov without change.
All personal identifying information (e.g., name, address), confidential business
information, or otherwise sensitive information submitted voluntarily by the sender will be
publicly accessible. NMFS will accept anonymous comments (enter ‘‘N/A’’ in the required
fields if you wish to remain
anonymous).
Thank you for helping save the whales!
March 2026 ~ NOAA has been asked to deregulate the 18-year Vessel Speed Rule that protects critically endangered North Atlantic right whales from deadly ship strikes. Every individual can comment on this and your voice will be heard.
Google NOAA 2026-0364-0001
or Comment portal here: http://www.regulations.gov/comme…/NOAA-NMFS-2026-0364-0001
- Your comment can be as simple or as detailed as you like.
- Include wording like…
~ Please ensure responsible conservation practices for endangered North Atlantic right whales.
~ Technology is not yet ready to take over the job of slowing down, per the Mitre Corporation Report
~ At this time, vessel speed limits are the only way to prevent vessel strike deaths.
~ Add your thoughts….example ~ “Save our baby right whales…”
~ Thank you for Speaking Up for Whales!